Carefully walking around the room, I find the tiniest hole in the wall between this room and the one Gavin was just in. I take a deep breath in before stepping closer and looking through. The man Gavin spoke to is still inside, now pacing and running his hand over his stubble-covered jaw, his lips pinched, his eyebrows drawn together. He glances around the room, his green eyes looking almost right at me.
I don’t dare risk getting caught. I back away, allow myself to breathe again, and leave. Thankfully, no one is in the hall. I walk down the steps and carefully weave my way around the room and the people inside it, exiting the inn as fast as I possibly can.
I don’t stick around waiting to get caught in any more dangerous situations. I walk briskly toward the forest path leading back to the castle. Once the shrubbery surrounds me and the market is no longer in sight, I run as fast as my legs will carry me.
Short on breath, heart pounding, hands shaking, I part the branches and brambles and enter the dark path toward my secret entrance.
I don’t stop until I reach my room. Even then, I bar the door, both the main one and the entrance to the servants’ tunnels. I slide my hood off and sit down on the edge of the bed, giving myself a moment to figure out what I just saw. To think through what I overheard.
What is Gavin doing?
Unable to sit in silence with my thoughts, I unbar the servants’ door and walk down the short path leading to the kitchens.
Tolla is sitting at the table, slumped against the wall, snoring lightly. Servants are still bustling about, preparing what looks to be quite the feast.
Hera is sitting at the table across from the cook, giving out commands as if she regularly runs the kitchen like this. I sit beside her, not saying a word as she gives more instructions to another server.
“Good evening, milady.” She bows her head in my direction.
“Evening, fairy godmother,” I respond, unsure how to say what I really wish to speak about.
“What’s on your mind, dear?” She turns, now sitting sideways on the bench so she faces me. I look into her dark blue eyes and feel a peace only she could bring me.
“It’s Gavin,” I begin, unsure what more to say. I don’t want to give her any more reason to doubt his intentions, but I have to know what is going on with him. “He acted suspiciously today in the market. I followed him to the inn, where he met a man. They spoke of vials they took. Neither of them knows what the bottles contain. They also mentioned someone named Cordae. It all seemed very dark, but I don’’t know what any of it means, and I certainly can’t prove anything.”
“I haven’t trusted Gavin since the first day he walked in here asking for a job within the castle walls. It’s why I denied his request. It only made matters worse when he saved you and got the job anyhow. Now he is sneaking around.”
Hera’s mood grows darker, and her words become more menacing. But I stopped hearing what she said the moment she mentioned Gavin trying to get a job here before saving me. What if it was all a rouse? A game?
No. I repeat that word in my head. No. Gavin has been nothing but kind and caring. He saved my life. If he had ulterior motives, why would he ask for a place to live and work for it? Why would he allow himself to get close to me?
I love him, for better or worse. My heart can’t let go. And I most certainly can’t give up on him so quickly. What if it’s all a mistake? A misunderstanding? He’’s told me he loves me. And I believe him. Not even for a moment did I doubt how he felt about me. Why else would he train me? Fight for me?
“No.” I say aloud.
“What?” Hera looks at me, confused. I realize she must’ve still been talking, but I didn’t hear a word of it.
“No. Gavin is a good person. I’ve seen it firsthand. There has to be a reason. Without proof, it’s just speculation. We’’re making the situation worse by not just finding out the truth. And most importantly, I can’t give up on him so easily.”
“Princess, I understand that you have fallen for him. But you must look at the facts as they are. Believe me, I have learned from experience that our hearts can fall for those who do not deserve our love.”
“I understand that. But I can’t determine whether or not I should love him based off half a conversation I overheard. Without all the facts, I can’t doubt him. That will tear us apart faster than anything ever could.” I stand, ready to return to my quarters.
Hera grabs my hand. I look down at her, noting the sadness in her eyes. “Just promise me you will be careful.”
“Of course.”
“What makes you so sure?” She lets go of my hand.
“He’s been teaching me how to fight. Why would he do that if he didn’t want me to be safe?”
“Maybe he’s preparing you for what is to come.” She raises an eyebrow, now more intrigued.
“We don’t know if anything is coming. And even if that were true, my statement stands as is.” I turn and walk back the way I came in.
What Neo said to me consumes my every thought. I hold the vial of blueish silvery liquid up to the flickering candle, looking for any clue as to what it could be. As a last resort, I could ask Cordae. But only if it must come to that.
My first option is to return to the witch in Sephet and find out how much she truly knows. She was adamant I not take it in the first place. As much as I hate to say it, I should’ve listened to her. I should have asked her for answers then.
I was so panicked, in such a hurry to return to Lily, that I didn’t stop and consider the kind of danger I could be putting her in. If I thought we could ever really be together, I might worry that this is how I would lose her.
But that no longer matters. As much as I love her, no matter how I truly just want to be with her, I’ve set my future in motion and there’s nothing I can do to backtrack, to stop it, to undo all the horror I’ve inflicted upon others.
I think of the soldier I killed just to get inside the city walls and hear the king’s plan. And all the countless others I injured or killed to get what I—or Cordae—wanted. All of it means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
I realize my life has been a lie, hollow and empty of the one thing that matters most up until now. Love. I can feel the change it has made. There was a time when I would’ve killed without hesitating, no consideration. Then again, there was a time I never would’ve killed at all.
I think of Tohomoth and her daughter.
Even if the witch had refused to give me the vials, I don’t think I would’ve let the string loose on my bow and ended her child’s life. The anger seething from Tohomoth wasn’’t necessary—I was angry enough at myself. Now I take a deep breath and realize just how big of a mistake that was.
I must return to Sephet and figure out what the vials contain. I debate traveling tonight, but needing to impress King Chavez and Captain Armando in the morning, it may be better to wait a few days, even if that’s time I do not have on my side.
Sighing, heaving my shoulders, feeling the weight they bear, I set the vial down in my boot and blow out the candle before slipping between the covers of my new bed, in my new room, and try my hardest to fall asleep.
“Armando, Armando, Armando!” Soldiers form a ring around us, every single one of them cheering for their captain. King Chavez, Queen Madrid, Prince Elian, and Princess Lily all stand on the platform overlooking the training grounds.
I look into Lily’s eyes, wink, which makes her laugh, and turn my full attention back to the captain of the guard. He’s a skilled fighter, but nothing compared to myself. It’s why I’m what I am. Who I am. Cordae made sure I was unbeatable.
There’s only one person in this entire kingdom with any chance of beating me, and that’s the one person I’ve begun to personally train——Lily.
“Are you ready to lose your position as weapon’s master, Gavin?” Armando taunts.
“Perhaps you should fight me before joking so easily about my position. It may be your own job on the line, Captain.” I chuckle. This fe
els good——this is what I’ve done all my life. Getting back into the fighting ring feels more natural than anything I’ve been doing of late—except, perhaps, loving the princess.
“Big words for a servant who’s supposedly good with a sword. We haven’t even seen what you can do. Besides, this is only your tryout. The job isn’’t yours yet.”
“That’s not true. If it were, I wouldn’t be here at all. You haven’t seen what I can do, so you underestimate me. Any fighter who knows the work that goes into it should know not to judge their opponent prematurely,” I counter, circling around him, holding my sword down, almost against my leg.
“Then should you not take your own advice?” He laughs.
“Oh, but I am.” I smirk.
“How’s that?”
“I’ve seen you fight. Your job is to lead these men. My job is to train them. As well as you.” My smile reaches ear to ear. The jabs, the mocking, the walking in circles as I observe his reactions not only to my words but my movements—this is home.
“Then enough talk. Teach me a lesson.” Armando holds his arms open, pointing his sword out and away from me. I use the moment and go in for a stab.
He only barely swings back in time to block my blade. I sidestep and go for another blow to his ribcage. He whips his blade around to block that and gets hit on the other side, having not noticed the sword in my left hand.
I step back, happy to have bested him. The men around us are laughing and cheering. Even the king is clapping.
I revel in the praise. Usually, it’s not appreciated when I do my job.
“What is it you said? Never underestimate your opponent?”
I look back to find Armando holding two swords, one in each hand. “Yes, that’s what I said. I’m just curious; can you actually fight with both of those, or are you just trying to beat me?” He grins, now looking far more menacing than before.
I swing the sword in my right hand, rotating my wrist, stretching my muscles. I take a second before doing the same with my left hand. I walk around the edge of the circle, taking the time to stretch my shoulders and neck.
I’ve seen this man fight. He was taken down by the prince. The prince fought Lily and lost. And I’ve fought Lily. And won.
A light breeze blows by. Our movements, along with the stomping from the surrounding men, cause dirt to blow around us. Stomping, yelling, chanting—the tension is high. Having seen a taste of my abilities, everyone wants to know if their captain has any chance at beating me now.
We circle around, waiting for the other to make a move. I did that once. Now it’s his turn. He can show me the skills he possesses.
He goes for an attack, one sword aimed at my chest, the other held up to defend. I spin to the side, avoiding both blades, and hit his left arm in the process.
He grunts, but continues his onslaught, coming at me full force. Right, left, right left, underneath, over the top. Swinging at my legs, my arms, even going for my hand in an attempt to knock one of the swords out of my grasp. I easily avoid his every attack.
He stops, backing off for a moment, catching his breath and gathering his bearings. I pinch my lips together, trying not to laugh. I use his moment of weakness against him, going in for an attack. When he goes to block the oncoming sword, I let him, using it as a distraction and placing the tip of my second sword at his navel.
“If these were real swords, and we were fighting to the death, you’d already be dead,” I say to Armando. He looks down, not happy in the least.
“Then I am grateful it was only a practice fight with dull swords.” He takes a step back and bows.
I bow in return. The men surround their captain, cheering for him despite the fact that he lost. I turn around and realize I still got the better deal. Standing before me is Lily, beaming. I smile and take a step toward her.
She throws her arms around my neck and kisses me on the lips. I hesitate returning the kiss, considering her father is nearby, most likely watching us.
“What’s wrong?” Lily leans back, though she doesn’t unwind her arms from around me.
“I would rather not get beheaded by your father on my first day as weapon’s master.” I clear my throat, realizing how dry it suddenly feels.
“Oh, Gavin!” She laughs. She leans closer so her lips tickle my ear as she speaks. “He doesn’t care. Now kiss me, or it’s my wrath you’ll have to face.”
I don’t hesitate a moment. I lean down and kiss her, intertwining my fingers in her hair, pulling her closer, as close as I can. I wrap my free arm around her waist. She keeps one hand on my neck, the other running through my hair.
I lean my head away, only a sliver. “I must get back to work, Princess.” I only wish this moment could last just a little longer, if not forever.
“I know. I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory. And warn you of the battle you will soon face. Armando can take a hit. He learns from his mistakes, and he is grateful for anything anyone will teach him. However, some of his men, not so much. Watch out for the sore losers.”
I quickly plant another kiss on her lips. “I will. Thank you for the warning.” I let go, taking a step back and turning to face a thousand soldiers.
“Captain!” I draw his attention back to me.
“Yes, sir?” He stands with his hands behind his back. All his men take the same stance, all facing me now.
“I need someone to demonstrate with me. Please volunteer yourself, or someone else if you prefer not to have that task.”
“I volunteer myself.” He walks forward.
“Good.” I nod to him. I address the soldiers now. “Pair up. Grab your dull swords.”
Everyone shuffles to grab their weapons and find someone to fight with. It’s going to be a long day.
I glance around, but find no sign of Hernan. Taking calculated steps, I approach Kova’s stall. She neighs at me. “I know—it’s been too long since I’ve seen you too. I’m sorry. Things are changing, and fast,” I whisper to her.
She nods as if understanding what I’m talking about. I open the latch and let Kova out. She stays at my side as I approach the saddles at the end of the long stables. I grab mine, and silently, I put all the gear on Kova, taking my time. My task tonight is one I wished to do during daylight, but training the soldiers of Tivor was a more grueling task than I once thought it would be. While they knew how to handle a sword, a dagger, and even a bow and arrow, they did not know how to use each weapon to their best advantage.
We only made it through one lesson in swordplay, and that lasted the whole day, only stopping twice for water, a bite of food, and a breath of air.
I mount Kova and kick her flanks. She runs just as I need her to. The moon is our only light, and even that we lose in the thick of the forest.
We race anyway, wanting to arrive in Sephet as fast as possible. The sooner this is over, the better. Cordae must be planning on striking soon, which only gives me a little time to prepare Chavez’s army for whatever is coming.
“Stay,” I command Kova as I enter the castle courtyard. I enter through the main doors—or what’’s left of them—and approach the grand hall. Tohomoth’s favorite place to reign in her fallen kingdom.
“I swore to ruin you one day, Derrick, the dark assassin. Never did I believe you would come to me for your fate,” the witch says from the throne, though as it is falling apart, it could hardly still be considered that.
She looks up at me, pain in her eyes. Her words are like ice, cold and cruel. Filled with hatred.
“I’m not here to fight you, witch. I know I threatened your daughter, and I threatened you. I went against your advice and took something I never should’ve touched. But I did, and now I need your help.”
“Hahahaha!” she cackles. “Oh, dear boy. You must be dreaming if you think for a moment that I would help you in any way ever again. I tried to. To save you. To protect all that everyone in this world holds dear. You didn’t listen, and now anyone who stands against Cordae will pay
for your mistake. That is on your head, Derrick. Until the day you die, you will have to live with that.” Her words turn from menacing to heartbroken.
“You’re right. I will have to live with it. Unless you help me fix it.” I’m to the point of pleading. Anything to get answers.
“Why should I help you? I want to watch you fall. To destroy everything. There is no reason to aid you in any way.”
“Cordae doesn’t like you. You think that once he takes over Tivor, he’ll stop there? No. He’ll come for you one day. You know what’s inside the vials. Whatever it is, if you feared it so much when I took it, why do you not fear it now?”
“The powers that liquid gives Cordae won’t last forever. He’ll need more eventually, and I’m the only one who makes it.”
“Then why did he send me here to kill you?”
“He did no such thing.” She snarls, disbelieving.
“Yes, he did. I spared you, and now I need answers. What’s inside the vials? What is it for?”
“You threatened my daughter’s life. That is the only reason you got what you wanted. Now leave before I kill you.” Tohomoth is no longer the patient witch.
There’s anger in her eyes, standing at the ready for a fight. I know she has magic, and she very easily could do what she threatens.
“Your daughter is currently with my horse. If you ever wish to see her again, I suggest you tell me what I need to know.” I hate lying. I hate threatening her daughter once again, even though it isn’t true. But I need answers, and the only thing this witch responds to are direct threats against her child.
“You are wrong. My daughter is in her room sleeping. I saw you coming from a mile away. You don’t think I would take precautions?”
“If you think I’m lying and you’re wrong, what then?” I counter, hoping she doesn’t check.
Once Upon an Assassin (Finding Gold Book 3) Page 13